By Mariela Angella Oladive
The two-week Iloilo Arts Festival 2024 of Iloilo City officially opened on Saturday, October 12, with local government officials, cultural enthusiasts, and artists gathering at SM City Iloilo for the ceremonial launch.
Representing Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, Acting Vice Mayor Sedfrey Cabaluna highlighted the festival’s mission to make art accessible to all while celebrating Ilonggo creativity, history, and culture.
“I may not sing, dance, or paint very well, but I consider myself an artist. As public servants, our community is our canvas; our sincerity and dedication to duty are our song; our actions and hard work for the people are our dance; and our principles and beliefs are our sculpture,” Cabaluna said in a statement.
Running until October 26, the festival aims to position Iloilo as a hub for arts and culture.
Festival director Wilfredo Sy emphasized the event’s goal of promoting cultural diversity, inclusivity, and heritage preservation.
“This year’s theme, ‘Creative Collaborations in the Community,’ underscores the coming together of various art groups and socio-civic organizations to showcase diverse expressions of cultural, aesthetic, and economic vitality through the Ilonggo viewpoint,” Sy said during a press briefing.
The city government has allocated PHP1.4 million to fund the festival, supported by sponsorships from various partners and organizations, including the Iloilo City Local Culture and Arts Council (ICLCA) and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc.
The festival features activities across multiple art forms, including visual arts, cinema, culinary arts, and performing arts.
One highlight is the urban streetscape design competition, where architects will transform underutilized spaces into functional cultural areas.
Another exciting event is the reel competition, encouraging filmmakers to explore and showcase lesser-known heritage sites in Iloilo.
Other notable activities include chef demonstrations, dance workshops, and dramatic arts performances in barangays.
The city’s music scene will also take center stage with a music festival featuring local talents.
Now in its third year, the Iloilo Arts Festival continues to grow in scope and ambition.
One of its long-term goals is to win the Pearl Award for the Best Institutionalized Program for Culture and the Arts, a prestigious recognition from the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines.
The event’s soft launch was held on October 5, coinciding with the “Adlaw sang Ciudad de Iloilo” celebration.
Festival organizers hope to attract around 2,000 performers and participants, further cementing Iloilo’s reputation as a vibrant center for artistic and cultural endeavors.
